That Which Transpires Behind That Which Appears: The Experience of Sufism

like all of khan's writings, this book helps the reader to explore higher estates of consciousness through exercise and practice. as the title probably functions to select out individuals who are less interested in the required physical work, such states of enlightenment require practice and, preferably, observation by and objective feedback by someone who can provide such feedback. as always, this book is very well written. i would recommend it for individuals interested in exercises in sufism. i probably would be inclined to not recommend it for scholars of sufism.

This is a truly marvelous book which originated in Pir Vilayet's guidance and explanations for retreat. For a novice in spiriual/meditative seeking, this book will likely be a mind-blower. Pir Vilayet is extremely articulate and very experienced with the different levels of unfolding meditation, and he gives a guided tour of the higher planes of consciousness.The book is truly chock full of clues and guidelines and practices, but the overall effect of reading it is one of greatly increased faith and optimism about the meaningfulness of existence, and the privelege and potential of being human.

Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan is a realized spiritual master whose writing is not only very informative and enlightening on every aspect of Sufi spiritality, but also awakens inwardly a transformation of conciousness. Sri Chinmoy is another realized master (and his books "Meditation" and "Beyond Within" are also required reading).